New records and range extensions to the South African marine ichthyofauna from Natal

Abstract

Six new fish distribution records from Natal (South Africa) are presented. Two of the Indo-Pacific species recorded Paracaesio sordida and Pogonoperca punctata represent new additions to the ichthyofauna of the southern African region. The ranges of Lutjanus lutjanus, Parascolopsis eriomma and Zenion hololepis are extended southwards to Natal from Mocambique whilst that of the cosmopolitan species Lophotus lacepede is extended northwards from Plettenberg Bay to Natal. A shallow water record for Spicara australis is also presented.